Peter Crouch says Ollie Watkins was the key "difference" in Newcastle United's 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
Watkins scored twice for the Villains to extend his season tally to 14 goals in the Premier League. The forward has scored the same amount of league goals as Manchester City marksman and golden boot leader Erling Haaland (12) since the World Cup.
Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring after 11 minutes, before Watkins bagged his brace with a pair of goals in the second half.
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Former England international Crouch believes Newcastle's high defensive line played into Watkins' hands, and praised the Villa talisman for his ruthless performance.
"They just could not contain Ollie Watkins, that was the difference. We highlighted before the game the runs, but they played a high line and he was just getting in time and time again," Crouch told BT Sport.
"When the chances came he was cool and took them as well so it was an amazing performance - in front of the England manager as well - so he’ll be very pleased with that."
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